Automation Engineering Technician

About Your Future with Distribution International

Are you looking for a career with an industry leader that drives the future of energy-efficient insulation and building material products? Is being part of a company that is recognized as a “Great Place to Work” of value to you? Look no further! At Distribution International, you will be part of a diverse and inclusive team that reflects our values of integrity and innovation by delivering solutions that make a difference in the communities we serve. Here, you are part of a company that rewards your contributions and encourages you to take ownership of your career.

Job Description

Summary

The Automation Engineering Technician supports safe, efficient operation of equipment across all company locations. Responsibilities include installing new machinery, maintaining and troubleshooting automation systems, identifying improvement opportunities, and collaborating with operations teams. As stated in the document, the role “impacts the operational performance and efficiency of the business” and ensures equipment runs “in the most safe and efficient manner.”

Key Responsibilities

Health & Safety

• Ensure equipment design and installation complies with OSHA and internal safety standards.
• Promote a strong safety culture and lead by example.
• Ensure all installations “meet or exceed legislative requirements.”

Installation, Testing & Calibration

• Assist with installing new equipment using circuit diagrams and engineering instructions.
• Build and wire control cabinets; set up motors, sensors, pneumatics, hydraulics, and mechanical systems.
• Calibrate and commission equipment; support operator training.
• Promote continuous improvement across products and processes.

System Design & Problem Solving

• Make minor PLC adjustments and design simple control systems.
• Fabricate parts using tools such as 3D printers and welders.
• Identify equipment issues and propose upgrades.
• Prepare basic documentation (wiring diagrams, manuals, troubleshooting guides).

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Diagnose and repair electrical, mechanical, control, and computer system issues.
• Replace damaged components and perform preventive maintenance when possible.
• Document maintenance activities and educate operations staff on failure risks and safe responses.

Reporting Structure

• Reports to: Engineering Manager
• Direct Reports: None

Job Standards

• Travel up to 40%.
• Deliver high‑quality work under tight timelines and machine‑downtime pressures.
• Maintain professionalism with staff, suppliers, and customers.

Relationship of the Position to Other Positions or Contacts:

Reporting Position:                   Engineering Manager

Subordinate Staff:                     None

Job Standards:

• Must be able to travel up to 40% of the time (schedule to be set according to business needs, but generally flexible around incumbents needs)
• Demonstrate consistent high quality of work
• Ability to work under tight timelines and deliver to established schedules
• Must be able to work in high demand environments often with tight time constraints on machine downtime
• Act with unrelenting professionalism as you represent the company across all locations and to all suppliers and customers

Physical Requirements or Conditions:

The duties of this job are split between work in the office and shop floor. Some duties involve working in the fabrication and warehouse environments and employees can expect to be working in noisy, dusty, and hot environments. Assembling, testing, and repairing industrial equipment requires a good level of physicality and ability to work in confined spaces and areas that may be challenging to access.  Travel may include taking flights and long road journeys, so the ability to sit in one location for extended periods of time is also required.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Split between office and shop floor; exposure to “noisy, dusty, and hot environments.”
• Requires physical ability to assemble and repair equipment in confined or difficult spaces.
• Must tolerate extended periods of sitting during travel.

Skills

• Read and interpret technical drawings and schematics.
• Diagnose electrical and mechanical faults using testing equipment.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work under pressure.
• Hands‑on fabrication skills (welding, wiring, cutting, sanding).
• Strong aptitude for automation, electronics, and mechanical systems.

Knowledge

• Electrical principles, control systems, sensors, actuators, motors, controllers.
• Mechanical systems and industrial fabrication processes.
• Workplace safety standards, CSA/UL requirements.
• Basic computer proficiency (Windows, Office).

Education & Experience

• Diploma in instrumentation or electronics, or journeyman electrician (preferred).
• Training in CSA/UL standards, PLC programming, and OHS is beneficial.
• 5+ years in industrial automation, electronics, or electrical work.
• Experience with industrial controls, machinery assembly, and working with engineers.

Experience:

• 5+ years working in industrial automation, electronics, or other electrical work
• Experience with industrial controls setup and wiring
• Experience with building/assembling machinery and various automation systems
• Experience working with engineers, machine designs, and maintenance plans
• Experience working in industrial settings

Compensation Range

$20.00 - $40.00

To comply with Pay Transparency laws, employers must disclose an annual salary range. Actual offers depend on factors such as location, experience, skills, and market data. This position may also offer variable compensation.

QXO is North America’s largest distributor and installer of insulation; second-largest distributor of roofing products; second-largest publicly traded distributor of lumber and building materials; and largest distributor of waterproofing products. QXO is the fastest growing company in the $800 billion building products distribution industry and plans to become the tech-enabled leader by delivering best-in-class customer satisfaction and outsized returns for its shareholders. The company is targeting $50 billion in annual revenue within the next decade through accretive acquisitions and organic growth. Visit QXO.com for more information. 

QXO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender or sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.